Exploring how oral appliances help treat obstructive sleep apnea
Official title: Practitioners Approach to Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the Impact on Patients Outcomes
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11139099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well dental devices help people with obstructive sleep apnea sleep better, by checking how dentists make these devices and how patients feel about their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | June 17, 2025 |
| Project end | June 16, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $449,861 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE034099-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who are seeking alternative treatment options to traditional CPAP therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have obstructive sleep apnea or those who are already effectively managing their condition with CPAP therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of oral appliance therapy (OAT) for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by examining the methods used by dental practitioners and their impact on patient outcomes. The study will involve dental practitioners delivering custom-fabricated mandibular advancement devices to patients, who will also use home sleep apnea testing devices to monitor their condition. By collecting data on treatment compliance and patient experiences, the research aims to identify best practices for OAT and improve treatment success rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols for obstructive sleep apnea, enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that oral appliance therapy can be effective for some patients with obstructive sleep apnea, but this specific approach to understanding practitioner methods and patient outcomes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mungia, Rahma — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Mungia, Rahma
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.